3-2-1, Glow: A Sweet Glow-in-the-Dark Astronaut Party

If you can’t handle another Princess party and the very idea of putting on another Star Wars bash makes you want to jump in front of the nearest car, take heart. Below we’ve set out the perfect plan for an out-of-this-world space party. This bash is perfect for both boys and girls, and is sure to launch your little party animal straight into space!

Invites

It’s easy to set the tone with these fun invite ideas. You can go all “Martha Stewart-style” on your guests and make these awesome homemade rocket invites with Rolos, compliments of SkiptoMyLou.

Decorations

Once the invites have been sent, it’s time to plan the “wow” factor by unleashing your creative genius on party-goers with starry decorations. Using black lights, glow-in-the-dark spray paint and adhesive stars and planets, and turn any dark room into a galaxy far, far away. (Or just down the hall).

Stars , Planets and Black lights

Cut out stars, planets and rockets from white or neon paper and spray them with glow in the dark spray paint. Stick the stars on the walls of the garage and hang them from the ceiling at various heights with fishing line. In addition, many craft stores like Michaels sell glow-in-the dark star stickers and planets that can add an awesome “space” effect. A black light hung from the ceiling helps amp up the glowing factor. And, while the parents and their kiddos just look like they’re hanging out in a garage, they are in fact hanging out in a totally transformed glow-in-the-dark universe. It was just our camera flash that ruined the moment, but believe us, the kids were totally enchanted.

Photo courtesy of Laurie Halter

Neon Leis, glow necklaces and glow sticksSet out a variety of glow necklaces, wands and bracelets from any local dollar or craft store, and make it part of your guest’s “mission” to add to their outer space wardrobe.

Glow JarsMake sure you add glow jars to the room for a really cool effect. These are easy to make and, depending on the age of the guests, you can add them as a craft activity for older kids. Simply cut the end of glow sticks, pour the contents out into the jar, add the lid on and shake. Check out these cool examples from Planningwithkids.com.

Glow in the dark balloonsGrab some glow in the dark balloons, blow them up and leave them on the floor of your space room to represent comets and asteroids. Guests will love running and avoiding these “comets” as they come whizzing by their heads.

Activities and Games

With decorations in place, you can move on to planning launch-worthy party games. Games don’t have to be time consuming, with just a few simple activities, your spacemen and women will be ready to blast off.

Photo courtesy of Laurie Halter

Stomp Rockets:Before launching your guests into outer space, it’s important for each guest to take a few practice runs. One easy way to do this is having them practice their launch abilities by taking a turn at the stomp rocket ($16).

DIY Rockets and Flying Saucers:After each pilot has had a chance to blast off, it’s time for them to create their own rocket or space ship to help rip through the galaxy. There are some fantastic craft ideas for making creative rocket ships and flying saucers by Kids Crafts Weekly.

Space GooA flubber recipe can easily be manipulated into space goo using green food coloring. For an easy flubber recipe, check out this one from food.com.

And finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for: Entrance to Outer Space

Line your space walkers up, along with their glow sticks and homemade rockets, and prepare them for a space odyssey. Have them all count down from ten and then open the door to the garage. Watch as the party guests “ooh and ah” over the asteroids, comets and galaxy created just for this space mission.

Photo courtesy of Laurie Halter

Food

Even astronauts need to eat! While healthy snacks like carrot sticks and fruit are an important part of this mission, delight your party guests with these fun-filled and unexpected additions to the snack table.

Thank you cards or notes

This party will definitely take your kiddos and their friends for an adventure beyond their dreams! What’s the last theme party that you’ve thrown for your kiddos? Let us know in the comment section below.

—- Laurie Halter

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